OUR OPINION: 3 stories about being part of a larger world

Editor’s note: Readers often comment that there should be more good news in the paper. While it’s true that there’s more than enough bad news to go around, on Mondays on the Editorial page we will highlight some of the many good-news stories that appear on our pages on a regular basis.

The Enterprise, Brockton, MA

Writer

Posted Apr. 29, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 29, 2013 at 1:14 AM

Posted Apr. 29, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 29, 2013 at 1:14 AM

» Social News

As we saw in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, a sense of community is essential to a society’s integrity. Being part of something larger than one’s self, volunteering time and skills to a greater good, benefits all. Here are three stories of people sharing their knowledge and themselves to help make the world a better place.

1.Citizen scientists, South Shore

Last week, 75 volunteer citi zen scientists made their way to waterways across the South Shore to help the North and South Rivers Watershed Association count the local herring runs. A sunny day spent along the water sounds lovely, and it is, but what these volunteers are doing is helping to preserve an ecosystem.

Led by NSRWA research manager Sarah Grady, the citizen scientists help track the population of herring, which in turn feed larger animals, including us.

Tracking the herring in various areas under various weather conditions will enable the state Division of Marine Fisheries to analyze population estimates – as well as how best to manage them.

By being part of something bigger than themselves, each participant contributes to the well-being of the total environment. Said Grady, “I could not do this without my volunteers.”

2.ChitChat Knitters, Hingham

Few items are as cherished as a handmade blanket or a snug wool hat knit by someone who cares.

That’s what the women of Hingham’s Linden Ponds ChitChat Knitters do. They gather as one in a room at their retirement community, talk about the goings-on in each other’s lives, all while their hands lovingly craft something warm and meaningful for someone in need: shawls for the ill at the nearby continuing-care facility or helmet liners for troops overseas.

They do what’s within their power to make the world a kinder place. Said 91-year-old Frances Darrow, “At my age, there aren’t many volunteer jobs I can do, so it feels good to do this and give back.”

3. Vietnam Combat Veterans Combined Armed Forces, Quincy

Few people bond as deeply as soldiers who have fought together in war. They’re forever bound.

And no community is greater in its contribution to our society. That’s why it was important that the Vietnam Combat Veterans Combined Armed Forces organized a ceremony to dedicate Marina Bay’s clock tower in honor of Quincy’s 48 fallen Vietnam service members – and that the community took note.

Local and state politicians were there, as was the chief justice of the U.S. District Court in southern Illinois. Civilians stood alongside veterans to recognize the sacrifices of the dead and in doing so assured the next generation of soldiers that their service will not be forgotten.

Page 2 of 2 - As state Sen. John Keenan said, “We come here not only to honor these men and their families, but to honor our obligation to remember them.”

Paying homage to those who gave their lives in service is the least we as a society can do. It’s also the